Sound Politics

How do you measure a year in Trump? Jan 23, 2026

One year into President Trump's second term, we check in with Washington state’s biggest Trump supporter (or at least, the biggest one in our Congressional delegation) Rep. Michael Baumgartner of Spokane. We also talk with the biggest Trump adversary in the state, Attorney General Nick Brown, who sued the administration 50 times in the last year.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/soundpolitics/.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producers are Sarah Leibovitz and Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Incoming: a state income tax showdown with Ferguson onboard Jan 16, 2026

Democrats think that this is the year when voters and the courts will side with them on an income tax. Axios' Melissa Santos and the Washington Observer's Paul Queary join us to talk about why. They'll also break down what they're watching during this year's state legislative session.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/soundpolitics/.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie Wilson: Socialist mayor running a capitalist city Jan 09, 2026

Seattle's new mayor, Katie Wilson, joins us to talk about being in the media spotlight, her priorities for the coming year, and what new taxes she might get behind.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/soundpolitics/.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sugar, spice and everything dais Dec 23, 2025

Outgoing Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson reflects on her tenure as she leaves office.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/soundpolitics/.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producers are Sarah Leibovitz and Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can taxing millionaires fix WA’s broken budget? Dec 18, 2025

State Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen is talking about passing a new income tax during next year's short legislative session. Plus, how the state will pay for flood damage with a tight budget.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/soundpolitics/.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Policing rain city Dec 12, 2025

For weeks, pundits wondered whether incoming Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson would fire the city's police chief. We now know she won’t, but we still have questions about how a democratic socialist who used to support "defund" the police will run the police department.

Listen to the full Soundside interview with Chief Shon Barnes here.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

Updated on 12/12/2025 at 3:25 p.m.: An initial version of this podcast misattributed a quote about the role of collective bargaining in police accountability policy to Chief Shon Barnes. It was a statement by Judge James Robart. That audio has been removed.

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'Tis the season to talk taxes Dec 05, 2025

It’s the most of the wonderful time of the year in Olympia, the time when the Democrats figure out how to fill a giant budget hole.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Catharine Smith and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thanksgiving side dish: A morsel of post-election politics Nov 26, 2025

We're bringing you an interview with incoming Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans. Voters resoundingly supported Evans in last month's elections. How much will the incoming city attorney roll back her predecessor's policies?

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producers are Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Catharine Smith.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The inside story of Katie Wilson's win Nov 21, 2025

How her campaign team took a political newcomer and got her elected mayor of Seattle.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producers are Hans Anderson and Sarah Leibovitz. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shutdown drama over, and Harrell exits stage left Nov 14, 2025

Today's episode is all about certainty. Seattle voters got some certainty on who will be the city’s next mayor. Federal employees can be more certain about getting paid now that the longest government shutdown in history is over. But much about the future of local and federal government remains uncertain: Will government employees stay for the next shutdown or look for work somewhere else? And what will a new mayor bring for the city of Seattle?

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts this week are Catharine Smith, Paige Browning, and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All politics is national Nov 05, 2025

You heard it here first, folks. Election night in Washington state isn’t exciting. So many ballots left to count. So many potential changes in the coming days.

But, a boring election night never stopped us from doing an analysis episode the next day, and we actually do have some likely winners. Let's dig into to what we know on day one after the 2025 general election.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Sarah Leibovitz. Our hosts this week are Amy Radil and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The weird rule that shapes Seattle school board races Nov 03, 2025

We got a listener question, and we had to answer it.

Rich wrote in to say: “I have a question regarding School Board elections. I was surprised when filling out my ballot to be voting for school board directors from across the district rather than just for the director that represents my area of the district. I think neighboring Highline School District (that’s in South King County) does the same.

I’m not sure why I never noticed it before, but is this common in other Washington school districts? And if so, why is it like that? What would it take to change it? I don’t feel like the north and south ends of either district should be voting for each other’s representatives.”

It's a good question! So, we reached out to KUOW reporter Sami West to get an answer.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Sarah Leibovitz. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send this to a procrastinator voter Oct 30, 2025

There's a local election in less than a week.

Maybe you've been procrastinating with your ballot. You're not alone. Half the people who voted last year will sit this election out.

Well, we're here to help. We’ve got a procrastinator’s guide to why you should care about this year’s election.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Sarah Leibovitz. Our hosts this week are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jock vs nerd: who will be the next Mayor of Seattle? Oct 23, 2025

Does Seattle want the stability of an experienced politician?

Or do voters want new ideas, and new blood, in the Mayor's office?

Mayor Bruce Harrell and challenger Katie Wilson debated the direction of the city here at KUOW.

Now, we’re breaking down their differences on homelessness, public safety and taxes – to help you understand how their promises could shape the future of the Emerald City.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Sarah Leibovitz. Our hosts this week are Libby Denkmann and Catharine Smith.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He went viral for shouting down 'antifa.' Now he feels different Oct 15, 2025

Expect to see protestors out this weekend during Saturday's No Kings rally. There are numerous events planned in Washington and nearly as many reasons why people are turning out. We're taking a look at the complex patchwork of political ideologies on the left when it comes to protests, non-violence, and Antifa.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Catharine Smith.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The dream of the right wing is alive in Portland Oct 09, 2025

The Pacific Northwest has become a target for President Trump. He’s trying to send the National Guard to Portland. He also invited a group of right wing influencers from across the region, including Seattle, to the White House to talk about problems plaguing the “war ravaged” city. What’s the truth on the ground in Portland? Dirk VanderHart of OPB's Politics Now podcast breaks down what he's seeing in the Rose City.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our host is Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seagulls shut down candidates as congress shuts down the gov Oct 02, 2025

King County voters will elect a new executive for the first time in 16 years. So far, the defining feature of the race to replace former Executive Dow Constantine is the similarity between the two candidates. Claudia Balducci and Girmay Zahilay agree on a lot, but how would they run the county? We held a debate and asked them.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producers are Sarah Leibovitz and Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone. Special thanks to Zaki Hamid, Tim Meinig, Brad Loving, Dane Johnson, John Sullivan, Eamon Nordquist, Hans Twite, and Felipe Barajas for their work on the debate.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TV on the radio Sep 25, 2025

This week, we're talking TV. What we see on our screens and what goes on behind the scenes -- and how that shapes the political landscape.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producers are Sarah Leibovitz and Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Catharine Smith and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A high horse and a gaslight walk into a bar (with guest Brandi Kruse) Sep 18, 2025

Our guest this week is Brandi Kruse, conservative influencer and host of the UnDivided Podcast. We decided to have her on as the nation and our region are still reeling from the murder of Charlie Kirk -- and struggling with how to discuss the event. This episode of Sound Politics touches on some of the toughest political topics to discuss, and we think it's an example of the types of conversations that are important to have in a healthy democracy.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heywood you sign this? Let's Go WA is working on two new initiatives Sep 11, 2025

Brian Heywood is back in the political spotlight. He’s the deep-pocketed conservative donor behind the group Let’s Go Washington. You may remember him from his initiative efforts last year. He collected hundreds of thousands of signatures for a slate of policies targeting a handful of key Democratic laws. And this week, he announced he's gathering signatures for two new initiatives to the Legislature on K-12 schools. Including a controversial measure that would ban transgender girls from participating in girls' sports.

For an alternative viewpoint on trans rights, follow this link to listen to a conversation with Dani Askini of the Gender Justice League: https://www.kuow.org/stories/trans-in-2025-danni-askini-answers-our-questions-on-sports-bans-medical-care-and-beyond

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's lobbying got to do with it? Sep 04, 2025

We talk about lawmakers a lot on this podcast, we talk about donors, we talk about the public – but there’s one group that’s a big deal in this constellation of political power, but we don’t often talk about: lobbyists. Over the past decade plus, as gridlock has gripped Congress, lobbying spending in states like ours has shot up. Of the states that track spending, Washington has seen the most dramatic rise in spending on lobbying. So who are the lobbyists in Olympia and how much impact do they have on policy?

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer this week is Sarah Leibovitz and Jason Burrows. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democrats' big, blue branding problem Aug 28, 2025

President Trump promised retribution during his presidential campaign. He also talked about giving himself tremendous power, and his vice president has talked about defying the courts.

And despite all of that, voters all over the country looked at the Trump ticket last year and said they'd rather have that than a Democrat.

So what’s so wrong with the Democrats? And what’s it gonna take to fix it? Since the 2024 election, one Washington Democrat has been saying – guys, look to our state and our state’s Democratic wins for answers. Shasti Conrad, the Washington Democrats’ state party chair and vice chair of the Democratic National Committee joins Sound Politics to discuss the future of the Democratic party.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer this week is Sarah Leibovitz. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Letter(s) of the law(s): WA and DC trade angry notes Aug 21, 2025

The Trump Justice Department is threatening to withhold funds or even prosecute local officials who enforce Washington’s sanctuary policies. But can they? We’ll hear how state leadership is responding as Trump triesto consolidate even more power. Plus, we'll talk about the impact of federal immigration policy on communities in Washington.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A big threat to Democrats' WA swing district Aug 14, 2025

Next year's midterm elections are top of mind for politicians. And the stakes are incredibly high, especially for our state's most competitive Congressional seat: Southwest Washington's 3rd district. While the district broke for Trump three times, it also sent Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez to the U.S. House -- twice. But her challenger in 2026 will test whether voters support her unique politics or felt her previous opponent was just too extreme.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August slipped away for Seattle incumbents Aug 07, 2025

If your ballot was sitting on your counter waiting to be turned in, well, it's expired now. The primary election is past. Results, however, are coming in. This week we take a look at two different trends. At the city level, voters have an anti-incumbent bent, but in state legislative races, incumbent Democrats who voted for tax increases seem to (mostly) be okay.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Polls, primaries, and a weird b-day for a 1-year-old pod Jul 31, 2025

We're celebrating our first birthday as a show. And don't worry, it isn't going to be one of those awkward first birthday parties where you have to make small talk with strangers, because we're making small talk about the latest political news, including some recent polls that show voter discontent with new Governor Bob Ferguson. Plus, we break down some mayoral races before the primary and answer a listener question about the future of income taxes in Washington.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/politics. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts Catharine Smith and Libby Denkmann.

And we want to hear from you! Send us your politics questions by emailing soundpolitics@kuow.org or give us a call at 206-221-0511.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everybody hates big $ in elections. Is this a fix? Jul 24, 2025

The vast majority of Americans say that money in politics is a threat to democracy. Seattle came up with a novel solution: give everyone money to donate to candidates. In 2015, voters approved the Democracy Voucher program, but is it working? We’ll talk about it ahead of the August 5th primary when voters will decide if the Democracy Voucher program should stick around.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our host is Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bruce Harrell vs. everyone Jul 18, 2025

We're taking a look at the Seattle mayoral election. Eight people are running, including incumbent Bruce Harrell. The primary election on August 5 will whittle that field down to two candidates. This office is nonpartisan, but the race has turned into a test of progressive versus moderate. Mayor Harrell is seen as a moderate, and he’s being primaried mostly from the left this year. Local Democrats are wondering how races like this one will shake out in the second President Trump era and whether voters want to change course on issues like affordability, homelessness, and budget deficits. You can hear the full interviews with the mayoral candidates on Soundside this week.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/politics. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts Catharine Smith and Libby Denkmann.

And we want to hear from you! Send us your politics questions by emailing soundpolitics@kuow.org or give us a call at 206-221-0511.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who's your lawyer? Jul 10, 2025

It’s Law and Order: Local Government edition. We’re talking legal news and electing lawyers. We take a deep dive into the Seattle city attorney election and whether a Republican can distance herself from the president and win in that deep blue city. We also recap the week in legal stories in Western Washington municipalities, including an update on King County Assessor John Wilson (who recently dropped out of the executive race) and a conflict in Pierce County between the sheriff and prosecutor.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/politics. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.

And we want to hear from you! Send us your politics questions by emailing soundpolitics@kuow.org or give us a call at 206-221-0511.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SO MUCH IS HAPPENING Jul 03, 2025

The U.S. House just voted in favor of a massive tax and spending bill. And, here in Washington, on Wednesday night, a high-ranking King County official was arrested.

King County Assessor John Wilson is running for county executive – an open seat overseeing the Seattle-area metro system, county jail, sheriffs, and more.

Wilson was arrested for allegedly violating a restraining order against his ex-fiancee.

But who is Wilson, and why is he running for executive?

Today, we’re re-broadcast a conversation between Scott and Libby from KUOW’s Soundside. Because even if you don’t live in King County and aren’t voting in the upcoming primary election, it surfaces lots of important questions about due process and how and when elected officials are held accountable.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/politics. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producers this week are Sarah Leibovitz and Jason Burrows. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.

And we want to hear from you! Send us your politics questions by emailing soundpolitics@kuow.org or give us a call at 206-221-0511.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(Middle) Eastern politics with Eastern WA's Congressman Jun 25, 2025

For now, a cease-fire between Iran and Israel appears to be holding, following a 12 day period of fighting between the two countries that culminated in an attack on three Iranian nuclear sites by the US, and a counterattack by Iran on an American military base in Qatar.

The strikes, and subsequent peace agreement, have been met with a variety of responses from American lawmakers.

Is this a military victory? A violation of constitutional oversight? A failed attempt to take out a nuclear power?

Congressman Michael Baumgartner joins us to discuss.

Plus: how he’s feeling six months into representing the 5th Congressional District, and why he voted in favor of President Trump’s big, beautiful, bill.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/politics. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer this week is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.

And we want to hear from you! Send us your politics questions by emailing soundpolitics@kuow.org or give us a call at 206-221-0511.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sound Politics goes scorched-earth Jun 19, 2025

State government reporter Jeanie Lindsay is joining us for one final time to talk about access to lawmakers in Olympia. Reporters don’t like being the story, but some drama in the press corps covering Washington’s government was one of the stories of this year’s session. This is an issue that the press is grappling with in D.C., too. The Associated Press was blocked from covering the president because they wouldn’t refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. They sued and a federal judge reinstated their access. But it’s not just President Trump or the right wing, the press corps in the state capitol face some intense pressures from the Democrats running Olympia.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/politics. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer this week is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.

And we want to hear from you!Send us your politics questions by emailing soundpolitics@kuow.org or give us a call at 206-221-0511.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Protest is in the air. Plus, Rep. Smith punches left AND right. Jun 13, 2025

It is a tense week in Seattle, and the country, as we prepare for a military parade in the capital this weekend on Trump’s birthday. In response, there are over 1,000 “No Kings” protests planned nationwide, including in Seattle, Olympia, and Tacoma. The ramp up in the tension is because of another thing Trump has done with the military: order them into L.A. to respond to protests there.

Washington Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) has been voicing his opposition to the President's actions. He joins Sound Politics to discuss his concerns and responds to criticism from his new opponent in the 2026 election, former Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/politics. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer this week is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.

And we want to hear from you!Send us your politics questions by emailing soundpolitics@kuow.org or give us a call at 206-221-0511.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SaWant to Beat a Democrat? Jun 05, 2025

For years, lefty democrats and socialists in the Seattle area have been trying to unseat Democratic Congressman Adam Smith in Washington's 9th congressional district. His challengers have always fallen way short in elections. But none of them was as well-known, or as far to his left, as his latest opponent: former Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant.

Sawant joins Sound Politics to talk about her return to politics and responds to criticism about her approach to "movement building."

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/politics. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer this week is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann. And we want to hear from you!Send us your politics questions by emailing soundpolitics@kuow.org or give us a call at 206-221-0511.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who's footing the big, beautiful, budget bill? May 29, 2025

The biggest story out of Washington is the Republican spending bill or, as the President has branded it: the One Big Beautiful Bill.This bill would solidify much of the President’s agenda, but its future in the Senate is unclear some Senate Republicans are balking at the estimated 3.3 trillion dollars it would probably add the national debt.

To talk about the future of this 1,000-plus page piece of legislation, Sound Politics sat down with Representative Pramila Jayapal, who represents Seattle, Shoreline, Vashon Island and Burien in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/politics.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabriel Spitzer. Our producer this week is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann. And we want to hear from you! Send us your politics questions by emailing soundpolitics@kuow.org or give us a call at 206-221-0511.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ferguson's pen commandments May 22, 2025

Ferguson's pens have been on the minds of a lot of people for weeks: Democrats, who worried he'd bring out the red veto pen on the budget, and fiscal conservatives, who worried he'd use his blue pen and pass it.The pens have also been on our hosts' minds -- because they represent a big stylistic change from previous governors, and maybe an extension of Ferguson himself? This week on Sound Politics -- what did Ferguson pass, and what did he use the veto pen on, in the state budget?

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/politics. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabriel Spitzer. Our producer this week is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.And we want to hear from you!

Send us your politics questions by emailing soundpolitics@kuow.org or give us a call at 206-221-0511.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democratic dominoes and an odd election May 15, 2025

It's an odd year election coming up, and something odd is happening: NINE state legislative districts will hold elections, more than any odd year for the past decade. Why is that happening? In a word: dominoes. Today on Sound Politics we'll talk about the Democratic domino effect, and how these races are exposing intra-party fault lines over the Democrats' new tax plan.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/politics. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabriel Spitzer. Our producer this week is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.

And we want to hear from you! Send us your politics questions by emailing soundpolitics@kuow.org or give us a call at 206-221-0511.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rep. Emily Randall on UW, resisting Trump, tariffs and "constitutional crisis" May 08, 2025

It's been a busy first term so far for U.S. Representative Emily Randall of Bremerton, one of two freshman members of Congress, in the other Washington. She's a Democrat representing Washington's 6th congressional district.

This week, she joins Sound Politics to talk about her initial months in Congress, her visit to an ICE detention facility in Tacoma, and why she appeared at a town hall in Spokane -- in the district of her fellow freshman, a Republican.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/politics. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabriel Spitzer. Our producer this week is Gabrielle Healy. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.
And we want to hear from you! Send us your politics questions by emailing soundpolitics@kuow.org or give us a call at 206-221-0511.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Grand Old Panel May 02, 2025

It’s been dubbed “muzzle velocity.” Or a “blizzard.” Fast and expansive changes to the federal government during President Trump's first one hundred days in office. Immigration policy, tariffs, even the size of the federal workforce has been drastically altered. We've talked to Democrats about this change and heard words like "disaster" or "catastrophe." Trump critics on the Left are numerous and loud here in Washington state.

But what about the Right side of the political spectrum? Almost 45% of our electorate voted for a Republican for governor last year, after all. How are conservatives feeling about the direction of the country, 100 days into Trump 2.0?

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/politics. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabriel Spitzer. Our producer this week is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.

And we want to hear from you! Send us your politics questions by emailing soundpolitics@kuow.org or give us a call at 206-221-0511.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What bills are graduating this legislative session, and what's flunking out? Apr 24, 2025

The Washington Legislature’s final week in session has brought bills (and debates) to the floor on topics ranging from rent caps to recycling to gun permits.

This week Axios Seattle reporter Melissa Santos and Washington Observer publisher Paul Queary join Sound Politics to discuss what the legislature managed to pass this year, and what was left on the cutting-room floor. Oh yeah, and there’s also the little matter of the budget.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/politics.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabriel Spitzer. Our producer this week is Sarah Leibovitz. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.

And we want to hear from you! Send us your politics questions by emailing soundpolitics@kuow.org or give us a call at 206-221-0511.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Democratic civil war over taxes Apr 18, 2025

Democrats released their plan to cover the state's multi billion dollar budget gap this week. Notable progressive proposals like the wealth tax and a payroll tax weren't a part of that plan. Did the progressive wing lose out to big business? And what does a hacked crosswalk button have to do with all of this? KUOW's Jeanie Lindsay and Seattle Times’ Jim Brunner talk about the latest tax proposals and whether the push to tax the rich is still alive.

And just a note, since we recorded this episode, Gov. Ferguson has released his response to the legislature's tax plan, you can read about it here: https://www.kuow.org/stories/tension-over-new-taxes-mounts-in-olympia-as-ferguson-slams-latest-pitch-from-democrats

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/politics.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabriel Spitzer. Our producer this week is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.

And we want to hear from you! Send us your politics questions by emailing soundpolitics@kuow.org or give us a call at 206-221-0511.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gary Locke says WA will be caught in the China crossfire Apr 11, 2025

The U.S. stock and bond markets are continuing to see uncertainty amidst President Donald Trump's flips in tariff policy. While the tariffs placed on a majority of countries have been paused, those in China are continuing to rise as the two nations retaliate against one another.

Hosts Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone are joined by former Governor, Secretary of Commerce, and Ambassador to China Gary Locke to get his insights on what an economic clash with China could mean for Washington state's economy -- the state exports more products to China than anywhere else.

But that’s not all. Today the show is local but international: international trade policy... international relations... international students on visas, whose work and study here in the U.S. just got upended.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/politics.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabriel Spitzer. Our producer this week is Alec Cowan. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.

And we want to hear from you! Send us your politics questions by emailing soundpolitics@kuow.org or give us a call at 206-221-0511.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All's Faire in love and trade wars Apr 03, 2025

This week, President Trump announced a slew of international tariffs. The United States will levy a 10 percent tax on goods imported from all trading partners except Canada and Mexico. That's just the start: there are an additional, higher tariffs on the European Union, Japan, India, China, and many, many more countries. Washington state could be in for some special pain: one in four jobs here is tied to international trade.

Even though Canada was spared from the latest round of international tariffs, the relationships between the United States and our neighbors to the north has become frosty. And it couldaffects everything from sales tax revenue to who shows up to local Renaissance Faires.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/politics.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabriel Spitzer. Our producer this week is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.

And we want to hear from you! Send us your politics questions by emailing soundpolitics@kuow.org or give us a call at 206-221-0511.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sound Politics gets overwhelmed Mar 27, 2025

Scott got overwhelmed this week trying to keep track of everything happening in our political sphere. And where does he turn to when he feels overwhelmed? Email newsletters. The world condensed into less than 2,000 words.

So this week, he's joined by two newsletter writer-reporters, Axios Seattle reporter Melissa Santos and Washington Observer publisher Paul Queary to discuss their favorite stories you might've missed.

Plus, we tackle one big story with a Washington connection you may not know about: it wasn’t just an Atlantic editor that got Pete Hegseth’s text messages – it was also a former Washington state Republican candidate.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/politics.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabriel Spitzer. Our producer this week is Sarah Leibovitz. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.

And we want to hear from you! Send us your politics questions by emailing soundpolitics@kuow.org or give us a call at 206-221-0511.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now's your time to yell (questions) at us Mar 24, 2025

Hey Sound Politics listeners. We're here in your feed because we want to know: what questions do you all have in this kind of bonkers political moment?

Curious about what happens when lawmakers ignore court rulings? Why are the governor and the legislature getting a raise right now? Other burning politics questions you've been dying to have answered?

Let us know: email soundpolitics@kuow.org, or leave us a voicemail at 206-221-0511.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is this the year rent limits pass? Mar 20, 2025

For years, progressives have tried to fight the rising cost of living by instituting a kind of "rent control" – what proponents call "rent stabilization." Basically, a limit on how much the landlord can raise your rent.

It's a divisive issue, even in the Democratic party -- in fact for years, it was Democrats that kept killing attempts at rent limits. But this could be the year that rent stabilization actually comes to pass.

The same sponsor of a failed stabilization bill last year – then-Representative, now-Senator Emily Alvarado – is taking another shot at this.

Engrossed House Bill 1217 passed out of the House this week. That’s as far as earlier versions of this bill got last year -- and there’s buzz this year that the Senate could let this version of the bill safely parachute onto the Governor’s desk.

To hear more about the divide around this bill, Sound Politics hosts Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone were joined by State Senator Emily Alvarado, the prime sponsor of HB 1217, and Emily Thompson, a partner with GMD Development, which specializes in affordable housing.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/politics.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabriel Spitzer. Our producer this week is Alec Cowan. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republicans' unlikely ally: Gov. Ferguson Mar 14, 2025

Republicans might have more influence this legislative session than they have in almost a decade.

A big reason why is Governor Bob Ferguson. The newly elected Democrat has been warmer toward the GOP point of view than the previous administration was, pushing to close the state’s budget deficit through cuts rather than raising more revenue from taxes.

That’s a welcome change for Rep. Travis Couture, the Republicans’ lead budget wrangler in the state House. He says Ferguson has been more aligned with, and welcoming of, Republican ideas than his predecessor was – but just how much actual power the Republican caucus will have over the final product remains to be seen.

Rep. Couture joined Sound Politics hosts Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann to talk taxes, Medicaid, mandates, and what it’s like to be in a “mixed marriage” (his wife is a Democrat).

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/politics. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabriel Spitzer. Our producer this week is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The graveyard shift: lessons from WA's dead bills (so far) Mar 07, 2025

It’s an old saw in Olympia: A lawmaker’s job is not so much to pass good bills, but to kill bad ones (because there are just a lot of bad ones).

Good or bad, this time of year is “Bill Killing Season” at the state capitol, having just passed two deadlines for the hundreds of policy and fiscal bills introduced this session. Bills that haven’t passed out of committee by then are generally considered deceased.

Olympia correspondent Jeanie Lindsay joins host Scott Greenstone to say an elegy for a new state flag, a bill to measure methane from cows and a resolution to the age-old geoduck vs razor clam debate.

A push for universal free school lunches failed to thrive. A measure to offer unemployment insurance for undocumented immigrants didn’t make it. And an effort to revoke preferential treatment for Tesla withered on the vine (liberal Tesla drivers, as Scott found, are not OK right now).

We run down the legislative casualties – and note a few survivors! – on this week’s episode of Sound Politics.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/politics. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabriel Spitzer. Our producer this week is Alec Cowan. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The governor's honeymoon is over with Democrats Feb 27, 2025

In Olympia, the Democrats' honeymoon with Gov. Bob Ferguson was short -- and it's now over, says Rep. Kristine Reeves, the chair of the Legislative Black Caucus.

Ferguson has laid out his plans for closing a multi-billion dollar shortfall while still boosting spending on hiring police and largely avoiding new taxes. But plenty of his fellow Dems are not yet onboard with a plan that leads with cuts instead of new revenue.

The party is also fractured on how and whether to make those investments in law enforcement. The Legislative Black Caucus, for one, wants two new dollars spent on community services for every dollar that pays for more police.

Kristine Reeves represents south King County in the state House and is chair of the Legislative Black Caucus. She joins Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone to break down the budget talks, and spill a little tea on how the various Democratic factions are getting along in Olympia.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.Our editor is Gabriel Spitzer. Our producer this week is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Firings and bad vibes hit PNW's federal workers Feb 20, 2025

From closed trailheads topower outages, the firing of federal workers could have a big effect on us here in the PNW.

KUOW investigative reporter Ashley Hiruko joins Sound Politics Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann to discuss the potential impact of the firings, and what it’s like inside federal government buildings right now -- from Seattle’s VA hospital to the National Labor Relations Board.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Our editor is Gabriel Spitzer. Our producer this week is Sarah Leibovitz.
Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For your ears only: The politics of privacy Feb 13, 2025

What do you have a right to? Your data? Your gender presentation? Your child’s health information?

Between DOGE sifting through our personal data, tech companies tracking our location, and executive orders weighing in on kids’ medical care, local and national politics are challenging Americans’ ideas about privacy and personal autonomy.

We talk through what the implications are, and what lawmakers are proposing to do about it, on this week’s episode of Sound Politics.

Joining host Scott Greenstone this week are Austin Jenkins, a staff writer at Pluribus News covering state legislatures, and Vivian McCall, staff writer at The Stranger covering queer culture and politics.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Our editor is Gabriel Spitzer. Our producer this week is Sarah Leibovitz. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

USAID in Seattle, Musk-opoly, and a chick off the old block Feb 06, 2025

Politics right now it feels like everything is shifting all the time. Federal agencies dismantled? Educational funds frozen? Tech broligarchs breaking into data stores of private citizens? A lot of it is hitting home in Washington.

On today's Sound Politics, hosts Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann talk about how the changes at the United States Agency for International Development are trickling down to Seattle, a global health hub. Then — a discussion about how some legislation here in Washington -- regarding Tesla -- could mess with an Elon-opoly… a Musk-opoly? Plus, a local far-right figure just got nominated to run the National Counterterrorism Center.

But not everything is shifting sand and deep chasms of division. The pod takes a detour to one bipartisan Washington state tradition that has, improbably, withstood the test of time. It involves an ugly duckling and the inventor of pickleball. Lastly, the pod answers a question from a listener about a different shift -- LGBTQ+ representation among lawmakers.

KUOW Olympia correspondent Jeanie Lindsay joins the show for this grab bag episode.

Read Scott's story on "The Chick" here: https://www.kuow.org/stories/washington-s-congressmembers-have-been-sharing-one-ugly-painting-for-50-years

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Our editor is Gabe Spitzer. Our producer this week is Alec Cowan. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does Seattle love social housing enough to fund it? Jan 30, 2025

There is a special election coming up in Washington state on February 11. And in Seattle, there’s something big to decide on: a new way of creating and paying for housing. Voters approved the formation of a social housing developer in 2023, and now will decide how to fund it and whether to put guardrails on the nascent developer. We break down the options with the host of KUOW's Booming, Joshua McNichols.

Plus, we take a look at the White House directive that froze potentially trillions of dollars in federal grants and loans. That order was first halted by a judge, and then rescinded a day later,but not before causing panic at agencies and non-profits across the Pacific Northwest.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Our editor is Gabe Spitzer. Our producer this week is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Washington 'gets Jesse' and sues Pres. Trump Jan 23, 2025

President Trump technically has only been in office for 72 hours – but our state is already feeling the shockwaves.

So today, we want to talk about how the President’s flurry of executive orders, pardons, et cetera, have hit home here. Democratic leaders here are responding in all kinds of different ways. Some are suing him, some are speaking out – others are laying low or a little quieter than last time around.

To get into all of that, we’re joined today by two reporters who covered Trump and Washington the first time and are back for more: Jim Brunner with The Seattle Times and Melissa Santos with Axios Seattle.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Our editor this week is Gabe Spitzer. Our producer this week is Sarah Leibovitz. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new governor and a salmon-shaped budget hole Jan 17, 2025

Governor Bob Ferguson was sworn in as Washington’s new governor on Wednesday.

Off the bat, his term has been me with shade from outgoing Governor Jay Inslee, who was critical in his farewell address of Ferguson's recent budget proposal -- one containing billions of dollars in new cuts.

Sound Politics talked last week about the $12 billion shortfall in the state’s operating budget, which is looming over absolutely everything lawmakers plan to do this session.

But there's also a gap in the transportation budget -- “...at least $6.5 billion through 2031, if significant action isn’t taken,” according to reporting by Ryan Packer at The Urbanist.

Like all budget issues, there are a lot of factors that are causing the gap, like gas tax and carbon auction are not bringing in as much as expected. But one factor caught Sound Politics host Scott Greenstone's attention. And it has to do with salmon.

Mike Reicher, Seattle Times investigative reporter, joins the show to explain the latest in the state's ongoing mandate to replace salmon culverts.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor this week is Jed Kim. Our producer this week is Alec Cowan. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cut spending? Limit vaping? Lawmakers decide in Olympia Jan 10, 2025

On Monday, Washington’s lawmakers will return to the Capitol for a 105-day sprint to discuss, debate, and distill their hopes and dreams into policy.

The biggest “to do” item for this session: fixing the budget. Faced with a $12 billion shortfall, lawmakers need to figure out the age-old question: to spend less money, or raise more of it? We've gathered a panel of experts to discuss what Washington lawmakers are considering as they return to Olympia: Paul Queary is editor and publisher of the Washington State Observer, and Shauna Sowersby is state politics reporter for the Seattle Times.

Listen to Libby's conversation with Washington State Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen here. And you can here Libby's return to office conversation here.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabe Spitzer. Our producers this week are Sarah Leibovitz and Jason Burrows. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New year, new (laws that affect) you Jan 02, 2025

Do you feel that in the air?
As of midnight on January 1st, life is a bit different for most of us in Washington state.

That’s because there are new laws governing your life.

Particularly if you’re a minimum wage worker, an Uber or Lyft driver, a low-income student, a crane operator, a stripper, an orca – or one of many other occupations and/or animals.

So basically pretty much everyone.

KUOW government reporter Jeanie Lindsay joins us to decipher 2025’s new laws and regulations in our first episode of the year.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabe Spitzer. Our producer this week is Sarah Leibovitz. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inslee looks back on his way out Dec 20, 2024

This week, outgoing Washington Governor Jay Inslee sat down for an interview with our colleague Jeanie Lindsay to talk about the defining moments of his time in Olympia. He's been in office for 12 years, longer and than any currently-serving governor in the country. So much has changed since 2012 -- in climate policy, economic growth, homelessness, crime -- but how does Jay Inslee want to be remembered?

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabe Spitzer. Our producer this week is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Washington shifted right less than any state. Why? Dec 13, 2024

“As America zigs, Washington zags." That was the name of our election night episode. And you might remember hearing from a lot of places, for days or even weeks post-election, that Washington was the only state in the country where Trump did not gain ground compared with 2020.

The national vote shifted toward Trump by about 6 points.

But Washington is special – we take our sweet time counting all the votes. And now that the election is certified, we can say with certainty: Washington state did swing toward Trump… a little. About a quarter of a percentage point.

Still, that's less than any other state in the nation. You have this across-the-board political shift toward Trump, and Washington barely budges. Why? What is Washington state missing that the rest of the country sees, or… what do we see that they're missing?

To answer that question, Sound Politics host Scott Greenstone was joined by Andrew Hong, a data and research analyst with the Washington Community Alliance with experience working with HaystaqDNA, a Democratic-aligned analytics firm this past election. The show was also joined by Paul Graves, a former Republican state Representative, and current president of Enterprise Washington, a campaign organization for the business community in Washington State.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.
Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabe Spitzer. Our producer this week is Alec Cowan. Our host is Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big names bowing out of Seattle-area politics Dec 05, 2024

We’ve gotten two major announcements from local politicos: First, Seattle City Councilmember Tammy Morales has announced she’s resigning from her seat on the council come January.
Morales was re-elected this year, and is one of the two remaining incumbents of the 2020 council, which pushed for more progressive policies like police reform.
What’s behind the toxic and “harmful” atmosphere within the council Morales alleges, and how did it possibly impact her ability to pass legislation?
And, we’ll discuss King County Executive Dow Constantine’s decision to not run for reelection next year. Host Scott Greenstone, political consultant Sandeep Kaushik, and PubliCola editor and publisher Erica Barnett hash it out on this week’s Sound Politics.
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.
Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabe Spitzer. Our producer this week is Noel Gasca. Our host is Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Washington stares into the (budget) abyss Nov 22, 2024

It’s everyone’s favorite time of the year… budget season.

Washington state legislators are facing a deficit of over $10 billion dollars for the 2025-2027 budget. And, the state’s not alone: King County is looking at maybe a $150 million deficit by 2026. Seattle is about to pass a budget that filled a $250 million budget hole without massive cuts.

Sound Politics host Scott Greenstone sat down with KUOW government reporter Jeanie Lindsay, and Seattle Times politics and community reporter Daniel Beekman to figure out what’s on the chopping block, and how it affects our lives.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabe Spitzer. Our producer this week is Sarah Leibovitz. Our host is Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The governor's gambit: Bob Ferguson's rise from chess champ to state leader Nov 14, 2024

Before Bob Ferguson made a name for himself as Washington's Attorney General, he was a chess player. And not just any junior master. In Seattle and abroad, Ferguson earned a reputation as a two-time state chess champion and even won a game against three opponents at once -- while blindfolded. Sound Politics co-hosts Scott Greenstone and Jeanie Lindsay dive into Ferguson's penchant to think 12 moves ahead, and what it says about Bob Ferguson: the governor-elect, and the person.

Read Scott's story on Bob Ferguson and his time behind the chess board here: KUOW - Bob Ferguson, chess master and Washington's next governor, preps for Trump rematch

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabe Spitzer. Our producer this week is Alec Cowan. Our hosts are Scott Greenstone and Jeanie Lindsay.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a redder America, Washington stands alone Nov 08, 2024

While the rest of the country moved towards the right this election, Washington Democrats saw the first sweep of statewide offices since the 1960s. Governor-elect Bob Ferguson, who sued the Trump administration 99 times as Attorney General, announced he's making contingency plans for counteracting a Trump presidency. But what is behind the country's conservative shift? We'll speak with a political consultant, a journalist, and a former Attorney General about the mood of voters and why Washington didn't follow national trends.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabe Spitzer. Our producer this week is Sarah Leibovitz and Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As America zigs, Washington zags Nov 06, 2024

Take a break from staring at the New York Times needle and join us as we round up local election results. We're looking at the governor's race, initiatives, and a surprisingly close Supreme Court contest on this election day edition of Sound Politics.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes. Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Our editor is Gabe Spitzer. Our producer this week is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is WA a crystal ball for who will become the next president? Oct 31, 2024

How are you fighting the election scaries this Halloween?

If you're like the Sound Politics team - you're looking to the future. Washington isn't known for being a decider in the presidential election, but one specificcounty and one statewide primary could be a reliable reflections of the national mood. We'll dig into what Washington predicts for the 2024 election. Plus, a few of our favorite local gems: the down-ballot items that haven't gotten enough coverage.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabe Spitzer. Our producer this week is Sarah Leibovitz. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doordash, Walmart, and Pinocchio (??) want to sway your vote Oct 24, 2024

What's going on with STATE Legislative races?

Today on Sound Politics, KUOW's Olympia correspondent Jeanie Lindsay joins us to break down the finances behind one of the most expensive races on the ballot this year, as well as why this "purple" district is in play as State Democrats work towards their goal of a legislative SUPER MAJORITY.

We also take a look at recent polling about the four initiatives on the top of the ballot, and try to determine why PINOCCHIO is the poster child for Let's Go Washington's ad campaign.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.
Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabe Spitzer. Our producer this week is Jason Burrows. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Washington voters pass the gas (initiative)? Oct 17, 2024

Ballots are landing in Washingtonians' mailboxes, leaving voters just a few more weeks to make up their minds on some big issues, like voter initiatives.

The first thing on that ballot - at the very top - is an initiative that has equally impassioned and confused voters.

Washington Initiative 2066 focuses on how fast utilities are transitioning off of fossil fuels, how they plan for that change, and the power local governments have to weigh in by regulating natural gas.

We'll unpack the initiative on this week's episode of Sound Politics, and Libby will take on Scott's ballot pop quiz!

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.
Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Gabe Spitzer. Our producer this week is Noel Gasca. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who are the big political donors handing out treats this spooky season? Oct 10, 2024

You’vebeen hearing plenty about the big names on your ballot, but there are many people influencing what shows up on that ballot whom you may have never heard of. Unions, tech entrepreneurs, oil companies and industry associations have given millions of dollars to candidates and campaigns.

On this week’s Sound Politics, we look at who is spending big on the upcoming election, what they want, and which big donors are sitting this year out.

Guest:

Paul Queary, editor and publisher of The Washington Observer

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.
Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer this week is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Death, taxes, and horseplay Oct 03, 2024

Washington has a fraught relationship with taxes. And what that relationship looks like in the future is a big part of your ballot this November.

In the latest episode of Sound Politics, hosts Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann break down two relatively new taxes that voters will decide whether to get rid of: the capital gains tax (which only the richest Washingtonians pay) and the Washington CARES tax (which most voters probably see on their paychecks).

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.
Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer this week is Alec Cowan. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WA GOP Horoscope: Trump rising, Dan Newhouse in retrograde Sep 26, 2024

Two Republicans are battling to represent Washington's 4th congressional district -- the heart of conservative Washington, a place where being labeled a "vegan" could mean death to your campaign.

In one corner sits Dan Newhouse: the incumbent, and one of ten Republicans to vote to impeach Donald Trump. In the other: a Trump-backed challenger, and former NASCAR driver, named Jerrod Sessler.
In the newest episode of Sound Politics, hosts Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann check in with Spokesman Review reporter Orion Donovan Smith about how the race is shaping up - and what it could say about the future of the Republican party.
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.
Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer this week is Sarah Leibovitz. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gas prices, climate change, and the biggest ballot initiative of the year Sep 19, 2024

Do you know what's going to be on your ballot this November? Sound Politics is here to help.
Today: Sound Politics host Libby Denkmann and special guest Jeanie Lindsay are diving deep into the wonky world of carbon auctions, gas prices, and climate change legislation as we explain Initiative 2117.
If passed, it would end the state’s carbon auctions that are the key part of the Climate Commitment Act. We'll dig into the arguments for and against the Initiative,who's funding both sides of the debate, and more
Plus: did you know know there was another governor's race debate this weekend We'll catch you up on that too.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Sarah Leibovitz. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The debate you didn't hear about - governor smackdown! Sep 12, 2024

Sound Politics is breaking down the big debate! You know it - the one that had you glued to your TV screen, the one all of your group chats were blowing up about, the one that culminated in a cat selfie on Instagram.

No, not that debate - we're talking about the first governor's race debate showdown between former Republican congressman Dave Reichert, and Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson!

Sound Politics co-hosts Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone discuss highlights from the debate, and where the race goes from here.

NOTE: After we recorded this episode, we noticed another poll that came out today from Cascade PBS. That one has Bob Ferguson with a far more commanding lead — half of voters plan to vote for him, and only 39 percent for Reichert.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producers are Noel Gasca and Jason Burrows. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can astronauts vote… for lands commissioner? Sep 06, 2024

Sound Politics is talking elections on land... and in space this week.

Up first: Scott and Libby start a little closer to home, and talk about one of the closest primary races in state history.

It was a tight race to determine who would take second place in the fight for Washington State Land Commissioner. After the first statewide hand recount for a primary since 1960, it looks like Democrat Dave Upthegrove will face off against former Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler in November's general election.

Scott will explain ballot curing - a process Republicans and Democrats used to help voters fix their rejected ballots.

And later: A question from a local political consultant on X inspired Sound Politics to take a deeper dive into a kind of absentee voting that's out of this world.

A note for listeners: This episode of Sound Politics was recorded before the Washington State Republican Party filed a lawsuit against the King County Elections Director. You can read more about the lawsuit here.

Guest:

Crystal Fincher, political consultant and host of the Hacks & Wonks podcast

Related Links:

In Washington's closest elections, volunteers go door-to-door to 'rehab' faulty ballots - KUOW

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Instead of going high, Democrats are going 'weird' Aug 29, 2024

Sound Politics is getting a little weird this week: Scott is solo hosting, and the pod is taking a break from our regular episode format due to the upcoming holiday weekend. Scott and Libby will be back with your regular 'ol normie Sound Politics next week.

In the meantime, Scott is bringing you a conversation that's all about weird.

Weird - it’s the word that’s been on the tip of plenty of democrats’ tongues this summer, as they try to communicate to voters why they should vote for the Harris Walz ticket in November, and leave Trump behind.

Does any of this labeling work? Scott catches up with two experts about why this strategy may be working for Democrats.

GUESTS:

Madeline Jalbert, postdoctoral fellow with the University of Washington's Center for an Informed Public
Ira Hyman, psychology professor Western Washington University

RELATED LINKS:

Is 'weird-checking' the new fact checking?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democrats are on a hope high in Chicago Aug 22, 2024

Sound Politics is at the Democratic National Convention! Sound Politics co-hosts Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone are breaking down highlights from the convention so far, and how the Washington state delegation is showing up - and showing out.

And later, Libby will take listeners to Redmond for a kind of counter-programming for local conservatives: Summer Freedom Fest 2024.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producers are Noel Gasca and Jason Burrows. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why our ballot's so big Aug 16, 2024

Now that the dust has settled on August voting, it's time to take a quick cleansing breath, and turn our attention to the four voter initiatives slated for the November ballot.

They’re coming from the right side of the aisle, they’ve got some big money, and feisty politicians backing them.

Northwest News Network state government reporter Jeanie Lindsay joins the pod to talk through all the ballot initiatives voters will decide on in November.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editors this week are Catharine Smith and Gabe Spitzer. Our producers are Noel Gasca, Sarah Leibovitz, and Jason Burrows. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sound Politics gets primaried Aug 08, 2024

It's Sound Politics' inaugural primary results episode! Sound Politics co-hosts Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone are breaking down results from races across the state - from Washington's 3rd congressional district to the Seattle City Council.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.

Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producers are Noel Gasca and Jason Burrows. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A red-hot rematch is shaping up in purple southwest Washington Aug 02, 2024

Southwest Washington is home to one of the most consequential races of the 2024 election cycle - the outcome could changewho’s in control of the U.S. House of Representatives come January 2025.

Sound Politics co-hosts Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone break down the top three candidates for Washington's 3rd congressional district.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.
Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producers are Noel Gasca and Jason Burrows. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brat Summer is over. The WA governor's race is here Jul 26, 2024

The primary election is coming in hot. KUOW has fast facts you need to know before voting. Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann co-host this new podcast from the KUOW newsroom. In our first episode, we break down the top four gubernatorial candidates.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundpoliticsnotes.
Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producers are Noel Gasca and Sarah Leibovitz. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KUOW's Sound Politics - Coming July 26 Jul 19, 2024

There’s a lot to wade through when it comes to Washington State politics. The drama, the facts, the money, and the movers and shakers. In Sound Politics KUOW host Libby Denkmann and politics reporter Scott Greenstone go behind the ballot to guide you through what’s happening in local politics, why it matters, and how you can use your vote to make a difference.

New episodes every week.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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